Michael E Umscheid
113 Plains St. #A
Dodge City, KS 67801
Telephone: (620) 430-3725 (day and night)
EDUCATION
…High School…
Olathe East High School
Olathe, KS 66062
Graduated with diploma - May 1998
…College & University…
Johnson County Community College
Overland Park, KS 66210
Semester Credits Earned: 31
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS 66045
Semester Credits Earned: 93
Major: Atmospheric Science (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences)
Graduated with Bachelor of Science degree – May 2002
METEOROLOGY CAREER EXPERIENCE
General Forecaster (GS-1340 Meteorologist)
September 2002 – Present
Current Salary: $65,532 (Grade 12, Step 2)
National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office
104 Airport Rd
Dodge City, KS 67801
Supervisor: Larry Ruthi, Meteorologist in Charge (620-225-6514 ext 642)
…Experience gained through primary duties and responsibilities as General Forecaster…
• Preparation and dissemination of routine forecast products, including public and aviation; the
preparation of these products includes routine internal and interoffice collaboration of important
meteorological data with NWS forecast offices adjacent to the Dodge City area of responsibility.
The preparation and dissemination of these products includes proficient use of AWIPS D2D, IFPS
GFE, as well as AVNFPS and XNOW.
• Preparation and dissemination of hazardous weather products, including watches, warnings,
and advisories for property and life threatening convective and non-convective weather in
Southwest Kansas; preparation and dissemination of these products includes proficient use of
WarnGen, WWA, FFMP, RiverPro, HydroView, and XNOW
• Assume responsibilities of a forecaster in-charge (FIC) in the office during situations where a
FIC was unavailable, and more importantly, in situations where critical operations require
additional expertise in making sound decisions, particularly in hazardous convective weather
environments.
• Develop local office applications to support and enhance operational forecasting techniques.
Several applications, for example GFE Smart Tools, have been shared through the NWS
nationwide (via AWIPS Local Applications Database and GFE Smart Tool Repository).
• Serve as the local office focal point for winter weather forecasting and operations, including the
preparation and conduction of annual local office winter weather workshop
• Serve as the local office focal point for WarnGen, with primary responsibilities of maintenance
and enhancement of templates for primary convective warning/statement products.
• Serve as the primary office focal point for the Weather Event Simulator (WES), under the
administrative guidance of the office Science and Operations Officer. Primary duties as WES
focal point include software upgrades, maintenance of data archive system and interaction with
the WES, organization and implementation of simulations for meteorological training as well as
for updated operational techniques (i.e. storm-based warnings).
• Serve as the local office assistant focal point for IFPS/GFE, with primary experience and
expertise in the development of GFE smart tools/grids, smartInits, and enhancing/tweaking text
formatter.
• Provide support when needed during times of staff shortage and critical leave periods of the
year, including assuming hydrometeorological technician (HMT) duties.
- HMT duties include monitoring and performing basic functionalities of weather radio
CRS and transmission of daily climatic reports and summaries. Duties also included the
preparation and launch of upper air radiosonde.
• Provide non-operational forecasting services including:
- Preparation and conduction of outreach activities, including spotter training classes and
presentations at local events/festivals
- Provide information on meteorological events and phenomena through local media
interviews
- Gained experience through helping HMTs and Observing Program Leader on several
Coop Program Management trips throughout Southwest Kansas. Also gained valuable
experience in conducting a damage survey with the WCM of May 11, 2005 tornado near
Ulysses, KS.
- Provide interviews and briefings to media partners, emergency management
personnel, etc., during high-impact weather events
…Highlights and Accomplishments as General Forecaster at Dodge City NWSFO…
(most recent first)
• Co-author of three papers/posters for 2008 24th Severe Local Storms Conference:
- “The Greensburg, KS tornadic storm: a storm of extremes”
Leslie R. Lemon, CIMMS/Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman, OK; and M. Umscheid
- “Polarimetric-radar signatures associated with the Greensburg, Kansas tornado”
Howard B. Bluestein, Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman, OK; and K. Hardwick, M. Umscheid,
R. L. Tanamachi, J. Houser, and S. J. Frasier
- “Dual-Doppler analyses of the 4 May, 2007 supercell that produced the
Greensburg, KS tornado”
Jana Lesak Houser, Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman, OK ; and H. B. Bluestein, K.
Hardwick, S. J. Frasier, and M. Umscheid
• Went on an “invited speaking tour” of talks during Spring 2008 to present meteorological data
and experience on the historic Greensburg, KS tornado. More detail on conferences spoken at in
“Career Related Skills” section.
• Co-author of presentation entitled “Greensburg, Kansas: Did the WSR-88D Resolve a Very
Large Tornado?” Presented by Les Lemon (OU-CIMMS/NOAA/NWS WDTB) at 2007 NWA
Annual Meeting.
• Prepared presentation entitled “Preliminary WSR-88D Investigation of Historic Greensburg
Supercell”. Presented at 11th Annual High Plains Conference.
• In an invited group of about 20 emergency response personnel, city/county/state officials, etc.,
briefed President Bush in Greensburg, KS several days following the May 4, 2007 tornado
disaster.
• National television interview with Diane Sawyer of Good Morning America following the
Greensburg, KS tornado disaster, highlighting importance of WSR-88D data (showed some
velocity products) in NWS warning operations
• Assumed a leadership role in warning operations during the Greensburg, KS tornadic supercell
event – recognizing a rare, disastrous situation unfolding and providing very timely and accurate
severe local storm products including unconventional language convincing citizens of Greensburg
to take action.
• Lead author of peer-reviewed paper: Umscheid, M.E., J. P. Monteverdi, and J.M. Davies,
2006: Photographs and analysis of an unusually large and long-lived firewhirl. Electronic J.
Severe Storms Meteor., 1, no. 2, 1-13.
• Developed local office daily climate charts (part of an intra-office team effort) for NWS-Dodge
City web page using GFE and ifpIMAGE
• Prepared and presented a talk, in collaboration with Jim Johnson (Senior Forecaster, retired)
on the NWS-Dodge City local office “short-fuse composite” (SFC) chart. October 2005; 9th
Annual High Plains Conference. (see details on the SFC in bulleted item below)
• Prepared and presented a talk on shallow arctic outbreak of January 2004. October 2004; 8th
Annual High Plains Conference.
• Prepared and lead local office day-long winter weather workshop, under supervision of the
SOO – November 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007. Presentations included:
- Introduction of “Top-down Approach” GFE Smart Tool for complicated winter
precipitation scenarios (2007)
- Two winter case scenarios w/ exercises (2006)
- Umscheid’s D2D Winter Procedures (2005)
- Cold season instability: Potential Instability & PSI/CSI (2005)
- Precipitation type forecasting/cloud microphysics (2004 & 2005)
- Assessing frontogenesis for banded winter precipitation (2004 & 2005)
- Arctic outbreak forecasting problem on the high plains (2004)
- IFPS & winter precipitation forecasting: issues, tricks, and shortcuts (2004 & 2005)
- New HPC winter products (2004 & 2005)
• Created several local office GFE Smart Tools/Procedures, including some that have been
shared on the Smart Tool Repository (STR) website:
- “MikeU_MaxT” – Local tool developed to produce a MaxT field based on a user-defined
mean-lapse rate method from surface to 850mb, according to elevation, using data from
any NCEP model as well as UKMET and ECMWF
- “ECMWFwindVect” – Tool developed to populate 12z or 00z grids in the extended with
a “guess” surface wind based on MSLP gradient. Valuable in times where ECMWF is
preferred in the extended. Available on STR. (Now obsolete with availability of ECMWFHires grids)
- “DDC_QPFfmPoP” – An integrated QPF population tool that creates a linear
relationship of user-defined QPF range to the PoP field. Available on STR.
- “DDC_PopulateExtended” – A procedure that easily creates and populates grids from a
variety of model/HPC options for a user-desired time range and user-selected weather
elements.
• Generated SFC chart, in collaboration with Jim Johnson (Senior Forecaster, retired), using
GFE; a valuable tool in assessing the detailed mesoscale environment in the one to three hour
forecast time frame for guidance in predicting convective initiation and/or intensity/evolution.
- Created additional IFPS LAPS and MSAS grids (Moisture Convergence, Potential
Temperature Advection, and Low Level Lapse Rate) through smartInit python code.
- Chart generated by hourly cron using ifpImage software within IFPS.
- Charts made available not only locally, but to the public through the Dodge City NWS
website: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ddc/?n=shortfuse
- Version 1.1 of the SFC chart made available on the AWIPS LAD in February 2006
• Created an hourly IFPS LAPS grid called “OneInchA50dBZthresh” that calculates an estimated
50dBZ threshold guidance height for severe hail 1” or greater diameter.
• Maintain and troubleshoot AWIPS LAPS analysis program, assuring high quality control data,
including those from mesonet stations, are being ingested into the gridded analysis.
Student Volunteer
January 2001 – May 2002
Salary: $0
Part-time position: 8 to 12 hrs/wk
NWS Forecast Office
1116 NE Strait Ave
Topeka, KS 66616
Supervisor: George Phillips, SOO
…Experience gained as a Student Volunteer…
• Familiarization of routine and severe weather operations in the National Weather Service local
office environment.
• Became familiar with preparation, launch, and tracking of upper-air radiosonde.
• Became acquainted with, and gained experience using AWIPS software for operational
forecasting use.
• Helped with internal projects such as entering climate data into AWIPS program XM-Climate
• Produced my own forecasts (for mainly coursework purposes) utilizing the various
meteorological datasets on AWIPS, including surface observations/analyses, satellite, NEXRAD,
and model output.
• Gained experience in preparing and transmitting the Area Weather Summary product.
• Gained appreciable experience in severe weather operations environment.
- Hands-on experience in integrating and analyzing a multitude of datasets on AWIPS
during active severe weather
- Aided in the severe weather warning verification process
…Notable Accomplishments as a Student Volunteer…
• Received recognition of accomplishment from Curtis Holderbach (MIC) for a presentation given
to the Topeka NWS staff during a local severe weather workshop. The presentation, given in
March 2002, focused on the latest findings from Jon Davies’ work on the importance of low level
buoyancy and convective inhibition in interrogating environments susceptible to tornadogenesis.
CAREER RELATED QUALIFICATIONS
…Leadership Training Courses…
• Conference on Leadership Development and Teambuilding (SkillPath Seminars) – Aug 2008
• Leadership Unleashed Training workshop @ NWS DDC – Sept 2007
…Operational Training Courses…
• Numerous AWIPS Build upgrade, WES, and WSR-88D Build training sessions, including most
recent:
- Storm-based Warnings, RDA/RPG Build 10, FFMP-Advanced, Four-Dimensional
Stormcell Investigator
• Advanced Warning Operations Course (Winter) – 2006
• Advanced Warning Operations Course, including 11 severe track modules – 2005
• IST PDS (DGEX: Its uses and limitations) – 2004
• S-290 (Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior Course) - 2003
• Winter Weather Warning Decision Making Workshop in Boulder, CO – 2003
• Distance Learning Operations Course (DLOC) - 2003 Certificate Received
• SHEF Tutorial - 2003
• HMCPM610 (Coop Programs) - 2003
• HMCPM600 (Coop Programs Overview) - 2003
• Probability Forecasting - 2003
• MMFDC251 (Intro to TWEB Forecasting) – 2002
• RTM500 (Clear and Effective Communications) - 2003
• Weather Observations (Rawinsonde) – 2002 Certificate Received
• RTM-230 (SkewT-LogP) – 2002
• WBT-005 (Intro to NWS) - 2002
• WBT-003 (NWS Directives System) - 2002
• WBT-002 (TAF) – 2002
• WBT-001 (Quality Control) – 2002
• COMET Computer-Based Learning Modules completed:
-
The Forecast Process - 2001
A Convective Storm Matrix - 2001
Anticipating Convective Storm Structure and Evolution – 2001
…Career Related Skills…
• Highly proficient in several computer programming languages including Visual Basic, Python,
HTML, and Microsoft Excel:
- While a student in high school, I developed a surface observation plotting and
analysis program called “WxPlot” in Visual Basic.
- While a student volunteer at Topeka, as well as in my own time while in college, I
developed a convective parameter program in Microsoft Excel called “Convectulator”,
which was used in real-time forecasting situations as well as for case study events to
calculate parameters such as 0-3km AGL CAPE, LCL/LFC Heights, 0-1km AGL
SRH, etc.
- As a General Forecaster at Dodge City, have developed several GFE Smart Tools,
modified several smartInit scripts, and text formatter files using Python.
- Have extensive experience with HTML development, for both personal website
purposes and development/modification of several web pages on the Dodge City
NWS website.
• Have experience in creating and modifying a number of scripts in other languages including
shell, Tcl/Tk, perl, and php, in particular for AWIPS programs and the WES
• Effective public speaking skills in meteorology conference settings, public outreach settings,
and local office environments. Have presented numerous presentations in these settings – most
recent of which include:
- Gave a two presentations on the meteorology of the Greensburg Tornado to citizens
of Greensburg, KS on their one-year tornado anniversary weekend.
- Was an invited speaker to a number of seminars/conferences to present about the
historic Greensburg Tornado, including:
o Wichita Chapter AMS (January2008)
o National Storm Chaser Convention (February 2008)
o TESSA National Storm Conference (March 2008)
o Virginia Emergency Management Conference (March 2008)
o Central Plains Severe Weather Symposium – keynote speaker (March 2008)
o Great Lakes Meteorology Conference – evening keynote speaker (April
2008)
o Kansas City Chapter AMS (May 2008)
- Presented talk “Preliminary WSR-88D Investigation of Historic Greensburg Supercell”
at the High Plains Conference, Hastings, NE (August 2007)
- Presented talk on October 26, 2006 local outbreak of tornadoes in Southwest KS at
National Storm Chaser Convention, Aurora, CO (Feb 2007)
- Presented IFPS-based “Short-Fuse Composite” operational forecasting and
situational awareness tool at the High Plains Conference, North Platte, NE (October
2005)
- Presented severe weather information and safety to students at Ark River/Water
Festival in Garden City, KS (April 2005)
- Presented on “Recognition of RFDs and cyclic tornadic supercells” at Douglas
County, KS Advanced Spotter Seminar (April 2005)
- First “local office” NWS spotter talk, solo, to large audience in Hays, KS (March 2005)
- Presented on “Visualization of rear-flank downdrafts” at Douglas County, KS
Advanced Spotter Seminar (April 2004)
-
Presented several talks on winter weather forecasting topics to Dodge City NWS staff
at local office winter weather workshop (Nov 2004, Nov 2005, Nov 2006, Nov 2007)
Presented “Shallow arctic outbreak of January 2005” at the High Plains Conference,
Goodland, KS (October 2004)
• Highly skilled in Windows-based graphics software Paint Shop Pro and presentation software
Microsoft Powerpoint.
- All presentations at small meetings, conferences, etc. created using 2003 version of
MS Powerpoint (most recent of which Powerpoint 2007)
- Graphical art, schematics/maps, photo manipulation skills using the latest version of
Paint Shop Pro (Version 9 and Version “X”)
• Strong skills in many components of AWIPS software
- Developed and modified a number of model fields, levels, etc. in the volume browser
- As WarnGen focal point, have made a number of updates, enhancements, etc. to
warning and statement templates.
- Have developed a number of procedures and color curves that office colleagues
have found useful.
- Have incorporated a number of shape files into D2D, including street-level mapping,
a higher resolution county map background (replacing the default coarse AWIPS
county map background), and DDC WFO area urban boundaries to name a few.
- Have experience in setting up default RPS lists
• Strong skills in configuration and operation of non-AWIPS meteorological software including the
latest versions of GR2Analyst, Digital Atmosphere, RAOB for Windows, and BUFKIT
• Strong technical writing skills – first peer-reviewed and accepted paper published in 2006 in the
Electronic Journal of Severe Storms Meteorology.
• Very strong meteorological pattern recognition skills on all scales of the atmosphere, in
particular mesoscale and stormscale meteorology
• Held position of Vice President of High Plains Chapter AMS/NWA in 2007-08. As VP, primary
responsibility was organizing quarterly meetings for our chapter
Accomplishments and Awards
• Received NWA’s 2007 Operational Achievement Individual Award at the NWA Annual Meeting
in Reno, NV (October 2007) for “exceptional warning service during the May 4, 2007 Kansas
tornado outbreak”.
• Received “NOAA Employee of the Month” award, following the Greensburg, KS tornado
disaster (June 2007)
• Received a special recognition letter from Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce,
Carlos Gutierrez, commending the efforts of myself and our office following the Greensburg, KS
tornado disaster (May 2007)
• Received “Director’s Coin” from former Director of NWS Brig. Gen. D.L Johnson, following the
Greensburg, KS tornado disaster (May 2007)
• Received recognition of accomplishment from Curtis Holderbach (MIC) for a presentation given
to the Topeka NWS staff during a local severe weather workshop (March 2002)
• Numerous Special Act Awards received from Larry Ruthi (MIC) for individual forecast and
project accomplishments:
- $1000 (July 2007)
- $1000 (March 2007)
- $1000 (July 2006)
- $900 (February 2006)
- $1000 (May 2005)
- $300 (August 2004)
- $400 (June 2004)
- $100 (May 2003)
- $100 (February 2003)
References
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Ken Cook, SOO (NWS Wichita)
Michael Hudson, WCM (Chief Operations Officer, NWS-CR)
Jim Johnson, Senior Forecaster (retired, NWS Dodge City)
Evan Bookbinder, Senior Forecaster (NWS Pleasant Hill)
Albert Pietrycha, SOO (NWS Goodland)